2. What is Cyber-Bullying? “Cyber-Bullying” is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. It has to have a minor on both sides, or at least have been instigated by a minor against another minor. Once adults become involved, it is plain and simple cyber-harassment or cyber-stalking. Adult cyber-harassment or cyber-stalking is NEVER called cyber-bullying.

3. The Information Highway With the increased technology out there, we have become acclimated to an easier way of gathering information. The Internet has made it easier to do research and communicate. Cell Phones and Instant Messaging have made it easier to stay in contact and talk with our friends and families. However, there is a downside to this easier way of communication. The downside is that kids have increased the ways of bullying other kids without thinking they can get caught!!!!!

4. Examples of Cyber-Bullying Using lewd language to threaten The language directly insults your child (“You are an idiot”) The language threatens your child (“I am going to fight you”) General threats (“You better not go to school today”) The occurrences of the threats

5. Where does Cyber-Bullying Occur? Emails or Instant Messaging Chat Rooms Favorite Websites such as MySpace or Facebook Fake Profiles Online Cell Phones

6. Cyber-Bullying Awareness Parents need to be aware that just because their child is using their personal computer at home or their cell phones DOES NOT mean their child CANNOT get into trouble at school. School officials are obligated to report such acts even though they did not happen at school, on school computers, or during school hours. Parents are responsible for their child’s actions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!!!

7. Can Cyber-Bullying Be Tracked???? Sending cyber messages can be traced. Every computer contains an unique address that can be traced by your Internet Service Provider. JUST BECAUSE YOU HIT DELETE, DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOUR MESSAGE HAS BEEN DELETED! It can still be tracked!!!! SENDING INAPPROPRIATE MESSAGES CAN GET YOUR CHILD AND YOU THE PARENT IN SERIOUS TROUBLE!!!

8. What Can Parents Do To Help??? Parents need: to make certain that their child knows they can come to them if cyber-bullying occurs. to be supportive of their child. to make the school aware that this is occurring. to keep a record of incidents of cyber-bullying.

9. For More Information If you would like more information regarding cyber-bullying, you may log onto any of the following websites: www.stopcyberbullying.org www.isafe.org www.cyberbullying.org or contact your child’s school!!!!!

10. This information has been compiled for you from the www.stopcyberbullying.orgwww.stopcyberbullying.org website. Created by: Rachel R. Adams and Shawna P. Crum Pike County Adult Education Instructors